We bring you greetings from the eastern part of Uganda, more so from the people of Teso with whom you sent us to share The Word and food. This was indeed the whole reality of the ministry for which we have been called.

We set off for Teso on Saturday night (9/5) in high moods, and everyone was eager to get there and help the brothers and sisters who are going through a hard time. No one on our team knew what to expect until we got there and people saw with their eyes. I could hear some of the team members asking ‘What would I do if I was meant to spend the rest of my life here?’

Since we started ministry, we had never experienced the mighty hand of God as it was in Teso. As we arrived all people came running and the children were all over the place rejoicing. When we had people in order, Pastor John went into The Word calling upon people to trust in the Lord and told them that they are not forgotten. They applauded the sermon and praising went on and on.

We then had them line up to get served with the relief aid that we had brought to them. People carried with them all types of containers i.e basins, baskets, bedsheets, jugs, etc.

Mark and John surveying the maize

They kept thanking us for remembering them during this hard time. This reminds us of Galatians 2:10, and it calls us to do more and we reach further.

It’s a pity that satan tried a lot to disorganize this whole trip, because he was defeated. Our hired bus broke down four times in the middle of nowhere, and we tried our best to have it repaired. It rained on the entire team, but we were happy because the mission we were on was beneficial to many. Because of the rain and conditions, a number of people on the team are down with fever but we hope they will get better soon.

The lorry that carried the food got stuck because the roads are bad and this made us reach there a little late on Sunday morning.

We want to greatly thank you so much for having obeyed the voice of God and sent us with all the relief we took.

We are glad to report that approximately 1200 people benefited and countless children too. I should also report that this has been one of the most risky missions we have ever carried out. Remember that in this region there are many civil conflicts, especially from the Karamajongs who often raid cows and even kill.

Pastor John asked if they all loved Jesus and they all shouted back, “YES WE DO!” “He has kept us amidst all these hard times,” a man shouted.

By God’s grace, we were able to give out 18 tonnes of maize flower,
750kgs of salt, 2080kgs of maize seeds, 290 New Testament Bibles, 89 pieces of shorts for men and 100 dresses, and 45 boxes of soap to help prevent disease.

This was indeed a blessing to have shared with our brothers and sisters. God bless you all.

Seggy with one of the little ones

A little more Teso information (from Cindy)…

I asked how the people in Teso will cook the maize flour. What type of water is available? The answer returned to me was, “The water is really bad. We would not want to touch it. It is filthy swamp water.” That is what will be used because it is the only thing available right now. (Is anyone else thinking “let’s drill a well”, because I am!)

I asked about the soap, which is a common staple item also taken to the prisons. Seggy said they have a Lugandan saying that you know someone is really poor if they don’t even have soap. As important as food is, soap is as well. Without it, and particularly because the only water in Teso is dirty swamp water, disease will spread.

As for salt, many of you know this, but it is NOT a luxury item. We have excess here; they don’t have enough there. Without sodium, a person loses muscle, mental capacity, and may have seizures and die. It is considered a staple food because of its importance in maintaining health.